Chrysler Cordoba (1975-1982)

The 1975 Chrysler Cordoba was a big hit in the burgeoning midsize personal luxury segment.

The Chrysler Cordoba was a personal luxury car produced by Chrysler from 1975 to 1983. It was a two-door coupe, known for its luxurious interior, including Corinthian leather options. The Cordoba’s name originated from a 1970 Chrysler Newport trim, and a show car, and then later became the name of a separate model.

One design highlight in Chrysler’s rapidly evolving 1970s lineup was the Cordoba — a 115-inch-wheelbase coupe billed as “Chrysler’s new small car.” With its Jaguar-like front end, formal roofline and one-of-a-kind rectangular taillamps, it became one of the era’s most memorable cars – along with the TV commercials featuring actor Ricardo Montalban extolling the virtues of its “rich Corinthian leather” interior. Cordobas sold better than all other Chrysler models combined, inspiring other new, “smaller” Chrysler designs, like the LeBaron Medallion coupe.

The Oil Producing Export Countries’ (OPEC) oil embargo hits in October 1973, greatly affecting consumer taste, leading them to prefer compact and imported cars. In 1975, Chrysler responds with the handsome Cordoba, the smallest Chrysler in decades, which outsells nearly all competitors. The Cordoba implements an Electronic Lean Burn System, a very sophisticated technological approach to fuel economy and emissions issues. As the fuel crisis eases, Chrysler sales recover thanks largely to the Cordoba and the new mid-size, even smaller LeBaron. The name comes from the city of Córdoba, Spain.

First Generation (1975-1979):

• Platform: B-body
• Engine options:
  • 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8
    360 cu in (5.9 L) LA V8
    400 cu in (6.6 L) B V8
    In 1975, the 360 V8 was standard, with a 2-barrel carburetor rated at 180 horsepower, while the 400 V8 was available in 2-barrel (165 hp) or 4-barrel (190 hp and 235 hp) versions.
• Transmission:
  • 3-speed A727 automatic
• Dimensions:
  • Wheelbase: 115 in (2,921 mm)
    Length: 215.3 in (5,469 mm)
    Width: 77.1 in (1,958 mm)
    Height: 52.6 in (1,336 mm)

Second Generation (1980-1983):

• Platform: J-body
• Engine options:
  • 225 cu in (3.7 L) Slant 6 I6 (Standard)
  • 318 cu in (5.2 L) LA V8 (Optional)
  • 360 cu in (5.9 L) V8 (1980 Only)
  • Specific horsepower and torque figures varied by engine and year. More detailed specifications are available in the referenced documents.
• Transmission:
  • 3-speed A904 automatic
• Dimensions:
  • Wheelbase: 112.7 in (2,863 mm)
  • Length: Varied slightly by year and model (ranging from approximately 209.6 to 210.1 inches)
  • Width: 72.7 in (1,847 mm)
  • Height: Varied slightly by year (approximately 53.2 to 53.3 inches)
  • Curb weight: Varied by year and model (ranging from approximately 3,389 to 3,467 lbs)

Fuel economy varied depending on the engine and year.
The “300” performance package in 1979 included a modified 360 V8 and a 3.21 rear axle.